Luigi Pirandello (1867–1936), who died on 10 December 1936, remains one of Italy’s most celebrated literary figures, renowned for his innovative plays, poignant poetry, and compelling novels.
Born in Agrigento, Sicily, Pirandello’s work transcends genres, blending elements of realism, modernism, and existentialism. His profound exploration of identity, truth, and the human psyche earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1934.
Pirandello grew up in a well-to-do Sicilian family, steeped in the local culture and traditions that would later influence his work. After completing his studies in Palermo, Rome, and Bonn, he earned a doctorate in philology. Although initially focused on poetry, Pirandello soon turned to fiction, publishing his first novel, The Outcast (L’esclusa), in 1901.
Tragedy struck in his personal life when his wife, Antonietta, suffered a mental breakdown, prompting Pirandello to delve deeper into themes of human frailty and emotional turmoil. This personal hardship profoundly shaped his artistic voice.
Theatre and the Exploration of Identity
Pirandello is best known for revolutionising modern theatre. His play Six Characters in Search of an Author (Sei personaggi in cerca d’autore), first performed in 1921, broke new ground with its metatheatrical approach. The story follows six fictional characters who interrupt a rehearsal, claiming their unfinished tales must be brought to life. This bold examination of reality versus illusion sparked controversy but firmly established Pirandello as a pioneer of 20th-century drama. However, audience reactions to the 1921 premiere created such an uproar Pirandello had to leave the theatre through a side exit.
Another iconic work, Right You Are (If You Think You Are) (Così è (se vi pare)), delves into the relativity of truth. This is a recurring theme in Pirandello’s oeuvre. His plays challenge audiences to question perception, identity, and the boundaries of fiction and reality.
Novels and Short Stories
Pirandello’s novels, including The Late Mattia Pascal (Il fu Mattia Pascal), further cemented his reputation as a literary master. In this work, the protagonist fakes his own death, only to find himself trapped by his new identity—a satirical yet tragic exploration of personal freedom and societal constraints.
His extensive collection of short stories, grouped under the title Novelle per un anno (Short Stories for a Year), captures the nuances of Sicilian life. It offers a vivid portrait of the struggles and complexities of ordinary people.
Legacy and Nobel Prize
In 1934, Pirandello was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature “for his bold and ingenious revival of dramatic and scenic art.” The Nobel committee recognised his unique ability to bridge the psychological and philosophical, creating works that remain timeless.
Even after his death in 1936, Pirandello’s influence on literature and theatre endures. His themes of fragmented identity and the elusive nature of truth continue to resonate in contemporary culture, inspiring playwrights, novelists, and filmmakers worldwide.
In the 2024 final exams, students had to summarise the content of the passage, identify the thesis supported, comment on some sentences and make a series of reflections from text from his novel, Quaderni di Serafino Gubbio editore.
